Ex-Johnsburg principal accused of sending offensive letters

April 10, 2013|By John Keilman, Chicago Tribune reporter

Pamela Dvonch, 63, former principal accused of sending 16 anonymous letters to parents at St. John the Baptist Catholic School. (Police photo)

The former principal of a McHenry County Catholic school has been charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly sending offensive letters to parents and the church pastor, but her attorney said the woman committed no crime.

Johnsburg police Chief Keith Von Allmen said Tuesday that Pamela Dvonch, 63, is accused of sending 16 anonymous letters to parents at St. John the Baptist Catholic School, where Dvonch had been principal until last year.

Von Allmen would not describe the content of the letters, which began to arrive in mailboxes March 26, only saying that they did not contain specific threats.

At the school's request, police were stationed there April 2, when students returned from spring break, Von Allmen said. A police investigation concluded that Dvonch had written the letters, he said, and she was charged Sunday with disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor that carries a potential penalty of 30 days in jail and a $1,500 fine.

Dvonch could not be reached for comment. Attorney Kimberly Popovich, who is representing the former educator, declined to address the specifics of the allegations.

"Mrs. Dvonch did not commit any crimes," Popovich said. "We are confident that ultimately the evidence will bear that out and she will be vindicated."

Popovich said Dvonch had been at the school for 25 years, was principal for about a decade, and left when her contract was not renewed.

Messages left Tuesday for school and church officials were not returned.